Brimrose (Sparks, MD) offers a miniature high-speed Process AOTF-NIR (Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter Near Infrared) Analyzer 7030-IP55 that performs on-line measurement. The Luminar™ 7030-IP55 can be used for real-time homogeneity monitoring and blending control process. Applications include 100% inspection of solids, gels, liquids, and powders. It is insensitive to ambient light and immune to vibrations.

A biosensor is an analytical device that converts a biological response into an electrical signal. It is increasingly being used as a cost-effective diagnostic tool that offers the capability to render efficient, easy-to-use, and accurate diagnosis. While technological advances in biosensors are allowing this technology to cater to an extensive range of applications in a number of fields, such as industrial and environmental testing, the largest applications have been in the healthcare sector, including glucose detection, pregnancy testing, blood testing, breath analyzers, and cancer diagnosis.

Conventional endoscopes are the “gold standard” for investigating and evaluating mucosal disease of the esophagus. Free-swimming camera pills are large because they must carry camera, batteries, memory, illumination, and some level of image processing power on board. A typical camera pill may measure 11 x 26 mm and may be priced at $1500 per pill — and the pill is not reusable. Camera pills are difficult if not impossible to steer from outside the body. Both camera pills and conventional endoscopes require an expensive external support system. Camera pills may not return information for over 24 hours, until the body eliminates them.

A microorganism was isolated from the surfaces of the cleanroom facility in which the Phoenix lander was assembled. The isolated bacterial strain was subjected to a comprehensive polyphasic analysis to characterize its taxonomic position. Both phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses clearly indicate that this isolate belongs to the genus Paenibacillus and represents a novel species.

The cell radiation experiment system (CRES) is a perfused-cell culture apparatus, within which cells from humans or other animals can (1) be maintained in homeostasis while (2) being exposed to ionizing radiation during controlled intervals and (3) being monitored to determine the effects of radiation and the repair of radiation damage. The CRES can be used, for example, to determine effects of drug, radiation, and combined drug and radiation treatments on both normal and tumor cells. The CRES can also be used to analyze the effects of radiosensitive or radioprotectant drugs on cells subjected to radiation. The knowledge gained by use of the CRES is expected to contribute to the development of better cancer treatments and of better protection for astronauts, medical-equipment operators, and nuclear-power-plant workers, and others exposed frequently to ionizing radiation.

Princeton engineers have developed a sensor that may revolutionize how drugs and medical devices are tested for contamination, and in the process also help ensure the survival of two species of threatened animals. In the wild, the African clawed frog produces antibacterial peptides - small chains of amino acids - on its skin to protect it from infection. Princeton researchers have found a way to attach these peptides, which can be synthesized in the laboratory, to a small electronic chip that emits an electrical signal when exposed to harmful bacteria, including pathogenic E. coli and salmonella. "It's a robust, simple platform," said Michael McAlpine, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. "We think these chips could replace the current method of testing medical devices and drugs."

Medical equipment manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on higher resolution imaging, viewing, and displays in diagnostic equipment. As a result, EMI and RFI requirements are critical considerations when designing X-ray machines and ultrasound equipment. In addition to resolution requirements, diagnostic equipment is becoming increasingly portable, resulting in demands for smaller, lighter components that are still highly reliable. Because connectors are used extensively in medical diagnostic equipment, there are a number of design considerations manufacturers must implement to conform to these requirements. Materials and filtering of the connector play a key role in shielding to meet EMI/RFI requirements, while pin counts, pin spacing, and contact system design affect the size and life expectancy of the connector.

Fetal heart rate (FHR) detection is the primary methodology for antenatal determination of fetal well-being and assisting in the identification of potential hazards such as hypoxia and distress to the fetus. The expected outcome of early detection is a reduced risk of fetal morbidity and mortality.

Hemodynamics is defined as the study behind the forces involved with blood circulation. Previously, monitoring these forces presented a costly and invasive procedure, but because of NASA funding and technology, cardiac patients were given a non-invasive monitor that provides accurate data about their hemodynamic status. CardioDynamics International Corporation, a subsidiary of SonoSite Inc. in Bothell, WA, created the BioZ® System through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from Johnson Space Center, providing patients and physicians with a cost-effective and highly accurate monitoring system.

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MDB - INSIDE STORY

Christopher Scott

To find out more about the expertise that Eurofins brings to this area, and the company's plans for expansion into the United States, Medical Device Briefs recently spoke with Christopher Scott, vice president of Eurofins Medical Device Testing.